Omara Portuondo Received the Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts from Felipe VI

June 25, 2021

The legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo received this Wednesday, June 23rd, the Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts awarded by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Spain. The ceremony, presided over by the King and Queen, took place at the Palace of El Pardo in Madrid and brought together the recipients from the 2018 and 2019 editions.

The Ministry of Culture noted that the presentation is being resumed "with the clear intention of recognizing the effort and value of culture professionals especially during such a difficult time for everyone".

Alongside the "Sweetheart of Feeling," other personalities received the high honor such as Maria Bethania, Martirio, Rubén Blades, and Gilberto Gil.

The Gold Medal for Merit in the Fine Arts distinguishes people and entities that have excelled in the field of artistic and cultural creation or have provided notable services in the promotion, development, or dissemination of art and culture or in the preservation of artistic heritage.

In his speech, King Felipe VI emphasized "we cannot forget what culture means as a value. Its contribution to our society is as incalculable as the debt our society has with it" and also noted that culture "softened the harsh months of confinement".

This is Omara's first international outing in more than a year, due to the impact of the pandemic. During this time, the Diva of the Buena Vista Social Club has recorded, fundamentally from home, a collaboration album with artists such as Raphael, Dionne Warwick, Gaby Moreno, and Carlos Rivera. She has also made frequent performances with the Failde Orchestra and celebrated her 90th birthday with a grand online concert from the Sauto Theater in Matanzas.

The Cuban singer announces presentations for next month at several European venues, the tour includes a concert in Palma (Mallorca) on July 11th and another as part of the Grec Festival in Barcelona on the 28th.